Mark Hardy CV

Personal Statement

Mark Hardy is a highly disciplined and responsible designer with a strong work ethic, and extensive experience in professional positions as an employee, manager and self-employed sole trader (Zetagram).

Mark has been a graphic designer and pre-press operator at Multi-Color Corporation in Castlebar since February 2022, and is now looking to improve his situation and return to a more creative design position. 

Originally from the UK but resident in Ireland for nearly 20 years, Mark is multi-skilled and adaptable with a steep learning curve. Passionate for design, with enthusiasm and drive to adopt new software and processes.

Mark has excellent project management skills, reliable time management, and puts a high degree of personal investment into his work. He is a creative problem solver, with a practical, ‘hands-on’ approach and attention to detail.

Mark has extensive experience over a wide range of design areas and markets, in recent years concentrating mainly on brand design and promotional material for small to medium enterprises, but with a keen interest in retail and packaging overall.

Salary Requirements

Full Time Graphic Designer: Remote 32k to 36k / On-Site 35k to 40k

Key Achievements

• Graduated top of final HND (degree equivalent) course, while working way through college
• Promoted youngest Studio Manager at TGA at age 24 through merit
• Owner of sole trader business for 16 years, which survived 2008 recession
• Self Builder - personally renovated and built current house/studio by hand while working as full-time designer

Education

Institution:	Lincoln College of Art & Design (now University of Lincoln), Lincoln, UK
Qualification:	Higher National Diploma in Graphic Design - HND (Distinction)
Graduation year:	1993

Institution:	Lincoln College of Art & Design (now University of Lincoln), Lincoln, UK
Qualification:	National Diploma in Graphic Design - ND (Merit)
Graduation year:	1991

Institution:	The Lafford School, Lincolnshire, UK
Qualification:	9 GCSEs passes (O-Level), 1 GCE pass (A-Level - taken 2 years early)
Graduation year:	1989

Employment History

Summary

2022-Present	Graphic Designer Multi-Color Corporation, Ireland
2004-2020	(Owner) Graphic & Web Designer Zetagram, Ireland
2001-2003	Senior Graphic & Web Designer Optima Design Consultants, UK
1997-2001	Studio Manager Teasdale Graphic Advertising, UK
1993-1997	Graphic Designer Teasdale Graphic Advertising, UK

Multi-Color Corporation, Castlebar, Mayo, Ireland

Graphic Designer, Feb 2022 - Present

• Commercial graphic design
• Artworking and layout
• Pre-Press for litho and digital printing
• Folding-carton development
• Computer To Plate (CTP) maintenance

Zetagram, Carracastle, Mayo, Ireland

Graphic & Web Designer, Jan 2004 - Mar 2020

• Complete brand design service
• Complete graphic design service
• Complete web design service
• Multimedia & HTML email design
• Web & brochure copywriting
• Brand name development
• Digital photography
• Design & marketing consulting

Optima Design Consultants, Lincoln, UK

Senior Graphic & Web Designer, Aug 2001 - Nov 2003

• First New Media designer employed at the firm
• Graphic design and artwork for print
• Web design and coding for web
• Time and project management
• Account handling and client management

Teasdale Graphic Advertising, Lincolnshire, UK

Studio Manager, Jul 1997 - Jul 2001

• Youngest Studio Manager ever employed at the firm
• Full design and artwork services required as graphic designer
• Manage studio work-flow and assist graphic designers
• Job allocation and quality control of work
• Liaison with senior management
• Self-taught Flash and web development outside contracted hours

Teasdale Graphic Advertising, Lincolnshire, UK

Graphic Designer, Sept 1993 - Jul 1997

• Graphic design services for print
• Paste-up and camera-ready artwork creation
• Pitch and tender design services
• Creative concept development services
• Photography & illustration services

Additional Experience & Information

• Full, clean, Irish car and motorcycle driving licence (AM, A1, A2, A, B, BE, W)
• Non-smoker, Non-drinker
• Swim, cycle, walk for exercise and mental well-being
• Interested in metal sculpture and painted art-works
• Movie enthusiast and collector
• SELF-BUILDER - Single-handedly built & renovated current house and studio from derelict shell

Links

Portfolio:- http://www.mark-hardy.com

Previous Business:- http://www.zetagram.com

LinkedIn Profile:- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hardy-ireland/